October 6th Sukkot is a week-long feast with the last day known as “Hoshana Rabba”, or a request for a “Great Salvation”. Jesus stood up and made an important announcement at this time, on The Last and Greatest Day of the Feast 

October 7th has a bonus eighth day at the end known as “Shemini Atzeret” which means the “Eighth Day of the Assembly”. It is a time of great joy and points to eternity!

October 7th is also known as Simchat Torah, when the Torah reading cycle restarts again. There is great rejoicing with Torah scrolls in the streets. Jewish people all over the world read a portion of the Torah together each week, starting now in Genesis and slowly working through all five books to end with Deuteronomy next September. The “Hafterah” is a portion from the prophets which accompanies the Torah portion, and so throughout the year a lot of ground is covered. Do you have a good system for reading through your Bible? 

In Israel everything stops for the Fall Feasts, and people postpone all business until “after the holidays”, so after the end of Sukkot, life starts again in earnest. It’s also time for education facilities to restart, and a new semester begins at our Bible College. Please pray for all those starting their studies in this new academic year!

October 31st is significant for a couple of reasons, both of which being somewhat controversial! The first is the anniversary of Reformation, kicked off by Martin Luther. His 95 Theses are famous for bringing much needed change to the body of Messiah, but Luther’s legacy has not been without controversy, as his later writings became increasingly hateful towards the Jewish people. The second is Halloween, which is hard to avoid in many countries, but choosing how to respond is an important thing for believers to consider: Fear No Evil.